CNA to MA

[meg0620]

I just have to share my excitement!!! I have been a CNA in a hospital for a year. I work full time overnight 7p-7a. I HATE the night shift, but I wouldn't be able to pay my bills without the night differential. I have two small kids and the night shift is really taking a toll on my health and my sanity. i also hate being a CNA. Becoming one has made me realize I DO NOT want to do bedside nursing.

I was recently offered a position at an OBGYN office as a medical assistant. I am not certified but they like that I have hospital CNA experience as well as phlebotomy training. I will be making more than I do on nights and I get to work dr office hours. I am beyond excited!! I've been trying to get into OB since I got my CNA license and now I'll be working directly with a new OB. OTJ training will be provided to me from the other MAs. I'm just so happy!

[13grad71]

Congrats go for it. You will learn a ton and at the same time keep your sanity.

[marie4nursing]

Thats awesome news! Working in a doctors office is a good decision, especially for your kids and back. Lol.

I am not sure what are your long term goals in healthcare. I was in medical assisting school but left at the end because I realized that medical assistants are limited on the clinical side. It was more clerical to me and felt like a glorified office worker.

When I was going to the doctors office, the LPN told me that LPNs are more hands on and get paid more. Nursing is not limited to bedside. I know many nurses who work in clinics. You will have more options as a nurse than a medical assistant. Thats why Im back in school to become a LPN.

Im not trying to discourage you. Do what you have to do to better yourself. Its just something to think about. Im happy for you!

[NursePJ2015]

Congratulations. If I were you, I'd go to school for medical assisting, get your degree or associates and get CERTIFED. things are changing for the medical assisting profession, like with CMS requirements. Many places are requiring that the medical assistant is certified due to meaningful use, the government EHR incentive program. All providers will be required to participate in the program, either this year or the next. The program requires only licensed health care professional (MD, PA, NP, RN, etc) and certified medical assistants to enter certain Information and orders into the EHR. It might not seem like much but it has dramatically effects the work flow in many facilities. Not to be a downer but you have to make sure your job is protected!